Reading through “Becoming a Better Photographer” and watching the video on visual literacy gave me a better understanding of photography beyond just taking a snapshot. One idea that stood out was that “there are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs,” as Ansel Adams said. I used to take pictures quickly without thinking too much about framing or depth, but after learning about techniques like creating contrast, adding a foreground to give depth, and changing my perspective by shooting from unusual angles, I started to realize photos can tell richer stories if I’m more… ‘intentional’ with them. For example, I might take a photo of my guitar leaning on my desk. If I apply the contrast tip by focusing on the shine of its strings against the dark wood floor or if I use a low-angle shot from the base of the guitar looking up its neck, the image feels stronger. It becomes less of a quick memory and more of a ‘captured feeling’.
The video on visual literacy added to this by explaining that images are a language just like words. I never really thought of it that way. Even though we’re surrounded by images everywhere, no one really taught and trained me how to read them deeply. The “Where’s Waldo” example showed that our eyes search for a focal point without us realizing. That made me think about how when I take photos, I shouldn’t just capture what’s there but really try to guide the viewer’s eyes to what I want them to notice, like inviting someone into how I see the world, rather than just handing them a snapshot and letting them to figure out themselves. I think that’s something I want to get better at, making my photos feel more intentional and less like random snapshots.
Finally, reading about Dorothea Lange’s Migrant Mother photo taught me something important. She almost didn’t take that picture, but stopping for that moment captured not just a person but an entire era’s struggle. I liked how she approached Thompson with respect and empathy rather than seeing her as just a subject. That makes me think about my own photos. Even if I’m just taking pictures of classmates, my guitar, or small things around the house, there’s always a story if I look for it patiently. Though… I know patience is something I struggle with. I usually want to take the photo quickly and move on, but maybe slowing down and really observing will make my photos feel more honest. That’s something I want to practice more, ‘seeing’ rather than just looking.
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